For more than a decade, Joel Osgood has helped communities across Western North Carolina envision and create meaningful places through thoughtful design. As a landscape architect and founder of Osgood Landscape Architecture in Asheville, Joel’s work centers on connecting people to the natural and cultural landscapes that make our region unique.
Joel’s journey with the Appalachian Design Center (ADC) began long before its merger with MountainTrue. After volunteering on various community projects, he joined the Asheville Design Center Board in 2013 and remained through the organization’s transition into MountainTrue. Today, he continues to serve on the Advisory Committee and volunteer on community design projects in Marshall and Hot Springs.
“ADC has been an important part of my professional and personal journey for well over a decade,” he shared. “It even inspired me to start my own landscape architecture firm in 2014.”
What first drew Joel to ADC was its mission of providing communities access to thoughtful design services that might otherwise be out of reach. Early projects, including community engagement efforts related to I-26 and work at Hall Fletcher Elementary School, demonstrated how design can be a powerful tool for listening, learning, and helping communities articulate their own vision for the future.
That commitment to community-driven design is what keeps him involved today.
“ADC creates space for residents, business owners, and community leaders to share their experiences and aspirations, while design professionals help organize and visualize those ideas in meaningful ways,” he explained. “The work is not about imposing a vision. It’s about helping communities discover and advance their own.”
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, volunteering took on even greater significance. As communities across Western North Carolina began the long process of recovery and rebuilding, Joel found inspiration in the resilience and determination of their neighbors.
“What has been most rewarding is witnessing the creativity, resilience, and determination of people throughout the region,” he said.
The recovery process reinforced the importance of combining local knowledge, community leadership, and design thinking to tackle complex challenges. Helping communities channel their ideas into meaningful planning and design efforts has become one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.
When asked what they would want others to know about MountainTrue and the Appalachian Design Center, the answer was clear: the work begins with listening.
“What I value most about ADC and MountainTrue is that the work is not driven by design ego. The process challenges design professionals to set aside assumptions and preconceived ideas and instead focus on deep listening, empathy, and collaboration.”
Joel believes communities are the true experts in their own places. The role of volunteers and design professionals is to help uncover opportunities, build consensus, and translate community visions into actionable ideas.
“The result is work that is genuinely community-driven and reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of the people who live there.”
If Joel had to describe his volunteer experience in just three words?
Uplifting. Invigorating. Humbling.
And above all, he is grateful.
“Beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve with everyone involved with ADC and MountainTrue.”
Please join us in thanking Joel for the endless time and energy he dedicates to helping the community. Because of volunteers like Joel, MountainTrue can reach further, accomplish more, and strengthen the impact of our work across the region. Interested in getting involved? Check out our volunteer opportunities! **All volunteers are eligible to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue.
